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Scared of the can-can dancers in the Venetian? Looking for music other than elevator muzak in the MGM? You should be. And now, thanks to an intrepid expat Kiwi, there’s a chance – just the slightest one, mind – that you’ll actually strike upon something akin to indie rock.

Geoff Churchill was frustrated at not having anywhere for his band to play in his adopted city, which can count only a handful of independent, original music shows a year. In fact, one of the few chances he had to play was at the Underground indie showcase in Hong Kong. There he struck up a conversation with organiser Chris B, who encouraged him to start a similar series with the same branding in Macau. He was all for it. “We want to build a scene here; we want to create a place for original music,” says Churchill.

Happily, the idea coincided with a job change for Churchill as he began work at the Macau Inter-University Institute, which has offered support for the shows in the form of a venue and students involvement.

That charitable spirit crosses over into all aspects of the showcase, with volunteer support from professional sound engineers, DJs, VJs, and even a bar run by students (who gain valuable business experience). “This is not a money-making venture for anyone,” he insists.

So far the Macau Underground is just two shows old, but the July 5 gig will feature a very solid line-up of musicians. Acoustic guitarist and singer David Duffin (an Aussie) will lead the night off with his original pop, and will be joined by prolific youngster guitarist-drummer Joao Caetano, five-piece pop-rock act Onstage, Hong Kong heavy rockers Hazden, a family pop-rock group called Once Teen Ones (a mother, brother and sister combo with two non-relatives rounding out the five-piece), and popular local act Blademark, known for their hard-rocking, high-energy shows and charismatic frontman.

For the time being, Churchill plans on hosting the shows every two or three months, but he’s looking to holding them monthly as the scene grows. There seems to be a good chance that’ll happen pretty quickly. According to the Kiwi, indie music flourished in the city ten years ago, an indication it is possible for Macau bands to succeed. “These things ebb and flow. Hopefully we can be part of the reason there is an indie scene here again.” Hamish McKenzie

Macau Underground, IIUM Auditorium, Saturday 5, 7pm-11pm, MOP 30 (door).